Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Richmond

California
161

Winston-Salem is 56% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 83%
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 56%
$208,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 212%
$1,040/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 94%
250,887
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $32,365/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Richmond — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Richmond?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Richmond?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $32,365/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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